Diagnostic Services
All potentially cancerous skin growths must be biopsied to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Depending on the suspected type of skin cancer, the biopsy techniques may vary.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, or other forms of non-melanoma, can be biopsied in various ways. Part or all of the growth can be taken with a scalpel, or a thin layer can be shaved off for examination under a microscope. This can usually be done in a doctor's office under local anesthesia.
Any potential melanoma requires a surgical biopsy, also called excisional biopsy, in which the entire growth is removed with a scalpel. A pathologist then studies the sample under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.
If melanoma is diagnosed, your doctor may order other tests to determine if the cancer has spread and to what degree. These tests may include:
Biopsy: The type of biopsy depends on the size of the skin growth and its location on the body. Several types of biopsy can be done when the doctor suspects melanoma:
- An excisional biopsy excises, or cuts away, the entire growth with a margin of normal surrounding skin.
- An incisional biopsy, or core biopsy, removes only a sample of the growth, and the resulting hole is closed with stitches.
- A punch biopsy removes a small, cylindrical shaped sample of skin.
- A saucerization biopsy removes the entire lesion by cutting under the lesion in a "scoop like" manner.
- A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is done with a very thin needle and syringe that looks like a hypodermic syringe used for giving injections. It removes a very small sample of tissue.
Computed Tomography (CT) scan: CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT imaging is one of the best and fastest tools for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: MRI is a noninvasive way for your doctor to examine your organs, tissues and skeletal system. It produces high-resolution images that help diagnose a variety of problems and may be used to detect tumors or abnormalities.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).